Spain to keep cap on airport tariffs for 2022-2026

Spain has approved a E2.25b investment plan for its airports for 2022-2026, which includes a freeze on tariffs charged by airport operator AENA to airlines, the transport ministry said on Tuesday. “The freeze ... places AENA’s tariffs among the most competitive and will therefore contribute to attracting new companies and the recovery of the air transport sector,” the government’s statement said. The plan, which expects an average E450m in investment a year and is known as DORA-II, aims to ensure adequate provision of airport services. Environmental sustainability and innovation will also be pillars of the new plan, which will introduce half a dozen new environmental markers among its measures of quality in service. AENA said the decision “gives stability” for airports management for the next five years and will guarantee “an adequate level of investment to maintain and improve the airport infrastructure”. Spain passed a law last week ordering AENA to reduce commercial rents in direct proportion to the passenger flow in each local airport until the pandemic subsides.<br/>